The 2021 Ford Ranger Isn’t Recommended by Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Wait a second. The 2021 Ford Ranger isn’t recommended by Consumer Reports? Well, why not? The Ford Ranger is an excellent option to consider, so what’s the problem? Buckle up because we’re about to find out. 

Why doesn’t Consumer Reports recommend the 2021 Ford Ranger?

2021 Ford Ranger | Ford

According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Ford Ranger only has an overall score of 46 out of 100. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It still ranks fourth place on the list of the best compact pickup trucks. The Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Gladiator, and Honda Ridgeline take the top three spots. 

One thing that may hurt the Ranger’s score is its low predicted reliability rating. The Ranger scored a two out of five, which is below average. The reliability rating is based on issues that owners reported on previous models. 

However, most of the issues reported on the 2019 Ranger, like power equipment problems, drive system issues, and transmission problems, were not reported on the 2020 model. This could mean that previous problems have been resolved. 

How does the 2021 Ranger perform? 

The 2021 Ford Ranger has a predicted owner satisfaction rating of four out of five, meaning this truck makes people happy. It has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 7,500 lbs and carry a payload of up to 2,080 lbs. 

There are six tie-downs in the bed, and the central locking system includes the tailgate. However, the tall besides may get in the way of loading. The tailgate is undamped, and the steel bed is a little plain. 

According to Edmunds, the Ranger can be fun to drive with its ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. However, the steering is a little light, the suspension doesn’t handle bumps well, and may do a nosedive with sudden braking. 

On a positive note, the cabin is pretty quiet. The large seats are comfortably padded, but the rear seats are comfortable but have an upright seating position that could get tiresome. The climate system is a little tricky and takes some practice to master. 

What features does the 2021 Ranger offer? 

A white 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor parked in sand
2021 Ford Ranger Tremor | Ford

The 2021 Ford Ranger scored a 43 out of 100 in terms of value. This measures what drivers got relative to the price they paid. The Ranger starts at about $24,820, making it an affordable option. It gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway too. 

According to Car and Driver, the interior of the 2021 Ford Ranger seems dated. The design includes dull and cheap plastic materials. However, the seats are comfortable, and the controls are user-friendly. 

The base model comes with a four-speaker AM/FM radio system, one USB port, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Upgrade to higher trim levels for the 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Also, the Ranger doesn’t include a lot of standard safety features aside from forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. Available options include blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. 

The Ford Ranger seems to have a low score because it’s not the most comfortable option, and more standard features could be included. However, it’s fun to drive and has a lot of strength to get work done.

RELATED: Is Buying a Used Ford Ranger a Good Idea?

The post The 2021 Ford Ranger Isn’t Recommended by Consumer Reports appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Has Tiger Woods’ Genesis GV80 Crash Ruined or Boosted the SUV’s Sales?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Some say there’s no such thing as bad publicity. But that isn’t always true. So, has Tiger Woods’ February car accident in a Genesis GV80 brought positive or negative attention to the new SUV? Here’s a look at the GV80’s sales figures since the crash and details about this vehicle’s safety features and ratings. 

Tiger Woods’ February 2021 car crash

Although celebrity news isn’t something everyone follows closely, Tiger Woods‘ February accident made headlines. He sustained serious leg injuries and underwent surgery following the rollover crash. According to Fox Business, first responders said Woods was lucky to be alive after such a horrific accident. 

Some observers wondered if Woods’ vehicle, a Genesis GV80 luxury SUV, caused the accident because it had debuted only a few months earlier. The SUV was a loaner because Woods had recently hosted a Genesis-sponsored golf tournament. But in the aftermath, most attributed the crash to irresponsible driving on a notoriously dangerous road. 

But has the publicity affected the GV80’s sales?

Genesis GV80 sales figures before and after the crash

Let’s make this clear: We’re speculating here. It’s difficult to say the impact Tiger Woods’ crash may have had on the Genesis GV80. That’s because the vehicle came out only a few months before the crash. There isn’t a huge dataset because there are only two full months of sales figures before the news of his accident broke. 

That said, GoodCarBadCar lists the number of sales per month since the Genesis GV80 debuted in November 2020. The luxury SUV sold only 58 units stateside in that first month. But it hit about 1,500 sales in December 2020 and January 2021. In the month of his crash, February, sales dipped to around 1,300. However, sales have steadily grown each month since. May saw the highest sales volume yet, at just above 2,000. 

Those numbers might indicate a slight ding in sales because of Woods’ crash, but the February dip could be unrelated. Either way, Fox Business reported that Google searches for the Genesis GV80 skyrocketed after the public learned it was the vehicle involved in the crash.

Safety features in the Genesis GV80

One silver lining for the Genesis GV80 is that the driver lived to tell his story after a terrifying rollover. Coincidentally, the GV80 earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It’s the highest honor the IIHS bestows. And to become a Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must score at least a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating on every test. 

The Genesis GV80 scored “Good” or “Superior” in almost every parameter. That could make anyone wonder whether Woods’ accident might’ve ended tragically had he been driving a vehicle with inferior crash test ratings. 

Though we can’t say the infamous accident directly affected Genesis GV80 sales, we can say it’s a safe SUV. 

RELATED: Which 2021 Genesis GV80 Trim Should You Buy?

The post Has Tiger Woods’ Genesis GV80 Crash Ruined or Boosted the SUV’s Sales? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

How to Get the Best Used Car for Your Money Online

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying a used car can be a lot. A lot of time, a lot of money, a lot of stress. It’s time to address how to take all that “a lot” and turn it into “a little”. A little research, a little common sense, and a lot of money saved. By putting a little time and effort into your considerations, you can save yourself a massive headache on one of the most important purchases anyone makes. Enthusiast or not, these are the best ways to buy yourself that new used car.

Forums are your friend

A Toyota used car lot | Gary Gardiner via Getty Images

First and foremost, know what you want. Do you have kids? 72 cats? A tiger? All important considerations. So, what does each prospective car on your list do best? By creating a list of similar cars, you can be sure to get the used car experience you want, and nothing you don’t; this includes optional extras. These optional extras and specifics are where forums come in.

No matter the car, there’s a forum of enthusiasts out there who are way nerdier about that 2008 Toyota RAV4 than anyone has any right to be. That’s great because these forums can be used to make informed decisions about the items listed above. Moreover, the forums are extremely useful for discerning what known issues each of your prospective cars has and what model years to avoid. For example, don’t buy an E46 BMW M3 older than 2003 because the rod bearings will fail. Better yet, don’t buy one at all so I can finally afford one.

Used car auctions can help too

A silver Porsche convertible at auction at Bonham's
A 964 Porsche Convertible at Bonham’s auction | Benoit Doppagne via Getty Images

Speaking of enthusiast cars, enthusiast auctions have earned a special place in the auto buying scene of late. The pandemic has certainly helped with this, as everyone is at home on Bring-a-Trailer. Non-enthusiasts fret not, as these auctions can be of use to you too. The auctions are a great place to find your next ride, car freak or not. The auctions also serve an additional purpose.

Use them to determine what people are willing to pay for a car you may want. Armed with that knowledge it will be significantly easier to pay what you want for the vehicle you want. Every once in a while, a real deal can be had on popular auction sites like Cars and Bids. However, only do this if you feel confident in the mechanical condition of a car- you won’t be able to inspect it before purchasing the vehicle. Thankfully, auction houses are very strict about the cars they admit and honest about the work vehicles will need.

BE PATIENT

Subaru's star logo
Subaru are a staple in the used car market | Metin Aktas via Getty Images

This is just as important as knowing exactly what options and trim levels to look for. Patience really is a virtue, especially with the absurd used market right now. Wait for the right car, and it will come. It’s not just personification, it’s solid financial practice. Doing so allows you to make informed and level-headed decisions about your next ride. Like not buying that M3 that I also want. Armed with this knowledge, your next automobile purchase should be a little more fun, and a lot easier.

RELATED: Buyer’s Guide: Toyota 4runner (2014-2017)

The post How to Get the Best Used Car for Your Money Online appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Is It Bad for Your Car to Drive in the Heat?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There are plenty of things to worry about on summer road trips, and car safety is one of them. Running out of fuel is one, but wearing your vehicle down in blistering-hot weather can lead to expensive repairs down the road. And driving in the heat can be dangerous to the car’s occupants, too. 

The heat can affect your car in several ways. Here’s a look at them and how you can prevent damage. 

How does hot weather damage your car?

We’re often taught that winter weather can be hard on our vehicles, but that’s not the only harmful season. Summertime brings hot temperatures, dry weather in some areas, and humidity in others. So what parts of a vehicle are affected by extreme heat?

First, consider the rubber tires. Though they’re designed to withstand a certain amount of heat from friction, they’re not immune to prolonged exposure to hot temperatures, especially if you’re doing a lot of extra traveling. 

Then there are wet cell batteries. Not all vehicles have them, but some do. These need to be monitored and filled with distilled water when they get low, Sun Auto Service explains. Heat can make the water evaporate in the cells faster. However, maintenance-free batteries don’t need checking. 

Last, antifreeze levels become even more crucial in the summer. Antifreeze prevents your car’s engine from overheating. When antifreeze levels get too low, the vehicle’s motor won’t cool properly, risking serious damage or failure. 

What can you do to prevent heat damage during your summer road trip?

To prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your tires, check the air pressure more often. Check your owner’s manual for the proper air pressure measurement, or ask your mechanic for help. Use an air pressure gauge a few times a month to ensure your tires are properly inflated, and add air when needed. 

Determine if your battery is a maintenance-free one or a wet cell. If you have a wet cell battery, you’ll need to pop the covers off the battery and check the water level in each exposed cell. Top them off with distilled water if levels are low. If you don’t know how to tell what kind of battery you have or don’t want to deal with it, ask your mechanic to check it at least once a month. 

Always check the antifreeze in the radiator to ensure it hasn’t evaporated or gotten too low. However, don’t check it when the car is hot. Instead, wait until it has cooled so that you can safely remove the radiator cap. Then add more antifreeze, if necessary, to ensure your engine lasts a long time. Remember that an engine isn’t cheap to repair or replace, so it’s best to take the time to ensure it’s protected.

What should you do if your car breaks down in the heat?

No one wants to get stranded on the side of the road. But it happens, so you must be prepared. The first thing you should do is to prevent any issues by making sure tires are properly inflated, batteries are topped off with water (if needed), and the radiator is never low on antifreeze. 

According to Leavitt Group, you should also carry a summer emergency kit. Of course, water is a must-have for any kit, but you should also increase the amount of water if you’re stranded in the hot sun. Stay hydrated until you can get to a safe place. 

Other important items to pack in the kit are sunscreen, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, a blanket for shade, flares, hazard signs, tire sealant cans, and jumper cables. Also, be sure to have some nonperishable snacks to keep you nourished while you wait. 

Before heading out on a summer road trip, no matter how far it may be, get your car serviced first so you’re good to go when you leave. If you head out and find out miles later that your engine was low on oil or your tires were low on air, you may regret it. Hangle what you can before you go, and make sure you have a summer kit packed in case of a breakdown. 

Related: Can Your Car Handle a Road Trip?

The post Is It Bad for Your Car to Drive in the Heat? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by